KUALA LUMPUR: An Opposition MP wants the authorities to take action against an alleged influx of foreign nationals, especially from Pakistan, who are targeting elderly local widows for marriage.

Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) said that the modus operandi of these foreigners was to specifically target elderly local widows and get married to them so they can start businesses in that locality.

"Their modus operandi is they will find widows who are 70 or 80 years old and get married.

"Once they are married, they will be allowed to stay here and most of them will open sundry shops, and those can be seen in Ketereh," he said in the Dewan Rakyat during Question Time.

To this, Deputy Home Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said that in general, the ministry would take certain action against any foreign nationals who breach the existing rules and laws.

"Throughout 2022, a total of 8,033 operations were conducted and 115,134 inspections were carried out by authorities across the country.

"If there are any offences committed, we will take action. And, so far, I have no information about foreign nationals getting married to elderly widows," he said.